The Goal
My 2018 PCT Hike
In 2013 I attempted to complete the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) from Mexico to Canada. I started at the Mexican border in early April and ended my expedition in late May at Bishop Pass, CA. I covered 850 miles of the 2650-mile-long PCT. Click on 2013 Hike to check that out.
Now it is 2018, and I need to try to complete the PCT hike. In 2013, I had about 14 resupply boxes sent or ready to be sent to post offices and trail angels along the way, but since I broke down, I only used 5 of those boxes. A lesson learned, and this time I will have only 6 re-supply boxes ready to go for the 900 miles of the trail I have left to complete in California (see Hiking Schedule). If I am still feeling great when I am in far Northern California, I will work on resupply issues for Oregon and Washington.
My goal is Canada but if I only make it to Oregon, another third of the trail, I will be okay with that. I can complete the last third of the trail another year.
Doaf’s Charities
As when Doaf hiked the PCT in 2013, he requests that anyone wishing to support his endeavor contribute to the Multiple Sclerosis Society. Research into alleviating and curing this disease is especially important to the Doaf, as a close family member is challenged with the condition. During his 2013 hike, Doaf’s PCT hike supporters donated $3050 for the MS Society. In 2018, his MS charity goal is $4000. You can click the MS icon at right to donate to the MS Society on behalf of Doaf’s PCT Hike or view the progress toward Doaf’s 2018 charity goal.
The Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA) is a worthy organization which provides resources to maintain the trails and also provides invaluable information and guidance to PCT hikers, like the Doaf.
About the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT)
The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail is the Appalachian Trail’s rugged, longer sister. Designated at the same time as the AT, the Pacific Crest crosses more challenging terrain at higher altitudes—through the Sonoran and Mojave deserts and then over the spectacular shoulders of the Sierra Nevada and Cascade mountain ranges from Mexico to Canada. It can be days between water sources in the tough Sonoran and Mojave deserts. In the High Sierras, the trail crosses 200 miles of unbroken wilderness. Then through the Cascade Range of northern California, Oregon, and Washington, the trail explores a string of wildernesses in volcanic landscape. Trail thru-hikers find themselves racing to beat the winter storms as they near the Canadian border.